Automatic release spear



I Patented Sept. 23, 1930 i M i I I. p WInLinri JLnILLER, F S-ULIYHUR,IJQUIQSFIAJVNA v I i uroMA'rIc REIQEASJEVSVPEAR l l ApplicationfiledJ'uly 25, 1929; Serial no, 381,033,

This invention relates to automaticrelease spears and it is an object ofthe invention to provide a deviceof this kind wherein the slip sleeve isin two parts so that the portion of the sleeve carrying the grippingarms may be readily removed for replacement as the occasions of practlcemay necessitate.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a device of this kindwherein the desired relative rotation between the shank and the slipsleeve is accomplished in substantially an automatic manner to. effectthe desired locking engagement between the sleeve and shank when it isdesired to lift the tool.

The invention consists in the details of con- 'struction and in thecombination and arrangement of the several parts of my 1mprovedautomatic release spear whereby cer- 7 2otain important advantages areattained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwisemore convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter morefully set forth. a

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitelyclaimed.

In order that my invention may be the bet ter understood, I will nowproceed to describe thesame with reference to the accomso panyingdrawing, wherein Figure 1 is a view partly in section and partly inelevation illustrating a spear constructed in accordance with anembodiment of my invention, the associated casing being fragmentarilyshown in section; V

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 ofFigure 2.

3 As disclosed in the accompanying drawing, 1 denotes the lower portionof a drill stem which has threaded therein the upper portion of anelongated tubular shank 2. The lower portion of the shank 2 has threadedor 4:5 otherwise engaged therewith a desired tool 3, herein disclosed asconstituting a guide member or reamer. The upper or inner portion of theguide member or reamer 3 is tapered as at l, for coaction with theinternally tapered extended portion of the packer *P N FF C 5. Thispacker 5 is of cylindrical typeand is formed of rubber or kindredmaterial and has its upper portion secured around the cylindricalextension 6at the lower portion of the tapered mandrel 7 The extension 6of the mandrel 7 results in an annular-shoulder 8 contacting with theupper edge of the packer 5 so that as pressure is imposed from aboveupon the packer 5 the same willhave requisite expansion to assureeffective contact with the inner wall of the casing C. The

mandrel 7 is freelymounted' on the shank 2 and is capable of rotationtherearound.

- Surrounding the lower portion of the shank 2 is anelongated slipsleeveS, and" as herein embodied said sleeve comprises'two sections 9and 10, the adjacent end portions of said sections" 9and10 are inthreaded en 'gagement-onewith the other so that" when desired the samemay be readilyuseparated; This separation is of particular i-adva-ntagein removing the lower section 10 which carries the elongated grippingarms 11 so that the same can bereadily replaced after becoming undulyworn or otherwiseunfit for eiiective use. This lower section 10 can beconveniently removed after taking oif the guide member or reamer 3, thepacker 5 and the mandrel 7. l i

The upper section 9 of the slip sleeve S at diametrically opposed pointsis provided with an elongated slot 12, the lowerportion of which beingtransversely enlarged as at 14, to provide an upper shoulder 15. Thelower edge wall-of the enlargedportionfla of the slot 12 remote from theshoulder 15 is disposed downwardly on an incline, as at 16, toward theopposed edge wall. Tightly engaged through theshank2 is a key 17 ofdesired dimensions and ofa length to project 7 beyond opposite sides ofthe shank 2 andto be received within the slot 12 and its enlargedportion 14. It is to be noted that the bore of the shank 2 adjacent tothe key 171s enlarged, as at 18, to allow water; passage around theapplied key 17. I V ,The inclined edge walls 16 of the slot 12 are'forthe purpose of automatically placing the extended: portion of the key 17directly under the shoulder 15 when the shank 2is lowered to allow theshoulder 19 to jar the mandrel from the gripping arms 11. The shoulder19 surrounds the shank 2 at a desired point thereon below the key 17 asis clearly illustrated in Figure l of the accompanying drawing. Thisshoulder 19, as here in embodied, is provided by reducingin diam eterthe lower portion of the shank 2.

In the present embodiment of my invention, it is to be stated that thespear is at all times automatically in release position until theoperator desires to set for pulling whereupon the drill stem 1 is turneda slight distance in the right direction which will place the key 17 inthe upper or pulling portion of the slot 12 as illustrated in Figure 1.By having the key .so positioned should the drill stem break and thelower portion drop, the spear will be set in release, thus only necesgoisitating catching the top of the broken drill to remove the drill andspear from the hole. From the foregoing description it is thought to beobvious that an automatic re-- lease spear constructed in accordancewith 5 my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason ofthe convenience and facility with which it may be assembled andoperated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptibleof some change and modificasoi; tion without departing from not wishtobe understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement andformationof the several parts herein shown in carrying out my inventionin practice except as hereinafter claimed. I

, I claim v 1. An automatic release spear comprising an elongated shank,a tapered mandrel carried by and surrounding the lower portion of theshank, a slip sleeve surrounding the shank and having its lower endportion provided with gripping arms, the tapered mandrel engaging saidgripping arms from with- 53' in, the slip sleeve having a slot disposedalong the upper'portion thereof, said slot having its lower portiontransversely enlarged in one direction, the lower portion of the edgewall of the slot opposed to the eno3larged portion being inclinedinwardly of by and extending the slot, and a part carried outwardly fromthe shank and working-within the slot of the sleeve. 1

2. An automatic release spear comprising an elongated shank, a mandrelcarried by and surrounding a portion of the shank, a slip sleevesurrounding the shank and provided with .gripping arms, the mandrelengaging said gripping arms from within, said slip 6(i sleeve having aslot disposed therealong with a portion transversely enlarged in onedirection, the edgewall of the slot opposed to the enlarged portionbeing inclined inwardly and coact'lng means carried the principles andspirit thereof and :for this reason I do shank and provided withexpansible pipe engaging means,means carried by the shank for expandingsaid means upon pull on the shank,

y the shank and sleeve for automatically rotating the same one withrelation to the other to effect a release of the sleeve and shank.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

WILLIAM J. MILLER.

of the slot, and a part carried by theshank fliand working within theslot of the sleeve.

